The hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 on December 26, 1999, was a wake-up call for India’s aviation security. To prevent such incidents, the government shifted airport security from state police to the specialized Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Starting from Jaipur Airport on February 3, 2000, CISF’s journey has now spanned 26 glorious years, covering 71 airports as of 2026.

Key Achievements in 26 Years:

• Vast Expansion: What began at Jaipur International Airport has now expanded to 71 airports across India, managing safety for over 160 million passengers annually.
• Global Recognition: The Quality Congress awarded the security at Delhi’s IGI Airport as the best in the world, surpassing ratings for major hubs like London Heathrow and Dubai Airport.
• Technological Advancement: CISF now utilizes AI-based predictive analysis, anti-drone systems, and smart surveillance models to ensure a proactive security approach.
• Enhanced Passenger Experience: By eliminating hand baggage stamping and introducing e-gates and facial recognition, CISF has successfully reduced waiting times without compromising on safety.

Future Readiness: In 2025, a workshop with Chief Airport Security Officers (CASO) from 69 airports was held to collaborate with DGCA and BCAS. This partnership is currently developing a new-age airport security model to tackle evolving global threats.